Portable computer with docking connector for peripheral devices

ABSTRACT

A microcomputer system includes a microprocessor and a housing for holding the microprocessor. The housing includes sets of conectors preferably comprised of two alternative sets of connectors. The microcomputer system is light weight, small and portable. Connections to external components such as peripheral devices are achieved with one embodiment via a docking connector. This docking connector includes a set of pin connectors that can be coupled to connectors on the housing. It also includes an ejector mechanism. The ejector mechanism enables decoupling by depression of the ejector. The use of the docking connector allows all peripheral connections to be realized through a single connector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently computer systems are available in many different sizes andprocessing abilities. At the top of the spectrum of size and processingability are the large mainframe systems. These systems are typicallyquite large and have significant processing ability. Beneath themainframe systems in the hierarchy of computer systems are mini-computersystems. The mini-computer systems constitute those systems that aresmaller than the mainframes but still have significant processingability. Microcomputer systems are positioned one step lower in thehierarchy. The microcomputer systems are often referred to as personalcomputers. Lastly, the lap-top computers occupy the bottom rung of thehierarchy. The lap-tops are relatively small in size and light in weightto facilitate portability. The name lap-top implies that the systems maybe used on the user's lap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a portable microprocessor system having amicroprocessor for processing instructions and a main housing forhousing the microprocessor. Connectors are included in the system toprovide the capability to connect the system with peripheral devices. Adocking connector allows all peripheral connections to be realizedthrough a single connector. The docking connector, thus, greatlysimplifies coupling and decoupling of the system with peripherals, foronly a single connection needs to be engaged or disengaged. Bysimplifying connection with the peripherals, the docking connectorenhances the portability of the system and the likelihood that userswill exploit the portability of the system.

When the docking connector is employed, the main housing rests in thedocking connector. The connection created by the main housing and thedocking connector enables communications between the microprocessor andthe peripheral devices. The docking connector includes a pin connectorand an ejector. The pin connector connects with correspondingconnections on the housing. The ejector, in contrast, is used todecouple the housing from the docking connector.

Preferably, the docking connector is coupled to a peripheral connectionport that provides an interface for connecting the peripheral devicesand power source to the docking connector. Use of the peripheralconnection port provides added space at the user workspace so that theuser desktop is not cluttered. The docking connector may furthercomprise a network integrated circuit card for facilitating connectionof the microprocessing system to a network.

Preferably, the main housing is at most 12 inches in length, at most 9inches in width, and at most 4 inches in height. Moreover, the mainhousing weighs less than 10 pounds, specifically approximately eightpounds. The small size and light weight of the system make it especiallyportable. In fact it is small enough and light enough to carry in anattache' case.

To reduce power requirements and noise, internal electronics arethermally coupled to a metallic housing which serves as a heat sink. Athermostatically controlled fan may be built into the system to furnishcooling for the system only when the heat sink cooling is insufficient.The cooling effect of the fan is enhanced by vents in the main housingthat encourage air flow through the housing. Pouches of thermallyconductive material are placed in thermal communication with theintegrated circuit boards to aid in conducting heat from the electricalcomponents out to the heat sink housing. In normal environments,operation of the fan is not required so the computer is virtuallysilent.

Amongst the options available with the system are a disk drive and ahard disk. Other options available include a keyboard, visual displayand a battery pack (for providing direct current (dc) power to thesystem).

Internally, the major hardware components of the microcomputer systemare configured on integrated circuit boards. In particular, a firstintegrated circuit board is positioned within the housing so that theelectrical components of the first integrated circuit board face theelectrical components of a second integrated circuit board. In oneembodiment the heat generating microprocessor is mounted on a daughterboard and faces in a direction opposite other components toward thethermally conductive material.

In the preferred embodiment an additional set of connectors, in additionto the single housing connector previously described, is positioned onthe housing to provide a choice for connecting the system withperipheral devices. Thus, the housing connector comprises an alternateset of redundant pins for all of the peripheral device interfaces may beprovided to cover this additional set of connectors when the set is notin use. These additional connectors allow the user to choose theconnectors he prefers for coupling the peripheral devices with thesystem. Other options available with the system include a mountingbracket that allows the main housing to be coupled to a fixture such asa wall or desk.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the main housing of the microcomputersystem.

FIG. 2 shows the main housing in an attache' case.

FIG. 3 shows the main housing in relation to the docking connector andthe cradle.

FIG. 4 shows the main housing in relation to an alternative embodimentof the docking connector and the cradle wherein a network card isincluded in the alternative embodiment.

FIG. 5a illustrates the docking connector without the cradle.

FIG. 5b shows the peripheral connection ports.

FIG. 6 depicts the rear bezel and components positioned at the rearbezel.

FIG. 7 illustrates the dust cover in relation to the componentspositioned at the rear bezel.

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the main housing.

FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of the integrated circuit boards, rearbezel and expansion connectors.

FIG. 10 illustrates a partially exploded view of an 1/2 length expansionboard relative to the integrated circuit boards and the rear bezel.

FIG. 11 shows the disk drive and hard disk.

FIG. 12 depicts a mounting bracket.

FIG. 13 shows a possible configuration of the microcomputer system thatincludes a keyboard, a visual display and a dc power source.

FIG. 14 depicts the connection of the visual display to the top of themain housing.

FIG. 15 illustrates how the components of the microcomputer system maybe folded together to facilitate portability.

FIG. 16 shows an expansion unit.

FIG. 17A, B and C, illustrate a microprocessor mounted on a daughterboard to be positioned in a window in another board.

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cradle.

FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In accordance with the present invention a microcomputer works equallywell for business applications as it does for personal applications. Inparticular, it is well suited for personal applications because of itssmall size and light weight, whereas it is also well suited for businessapplications because of its processing power, large memory andcompatibility with networks.

FIG. 1 depicts the main housing 10 of the microcomputer of the presentinvention. The aluminum main housing 10 provides a durable andlightweight outer shell and also serves as a heat sink. Rubber stops 12are positioned about each of the four corners of the housing 10 toprevent the main housing 10 from moving and to enhance the safety of thesystem by covering sharp corners of the main housing 10. Also, thehousing can be set on a surface in any orientation without marring thesurface or housing and while maintaining an air gap between the surfaceand housing. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the polyhedral shape of the mainhousing 10 resembles a brick. The main housing 10 has a height of about11.3 inches, a width of about 7.9 inches and a thickness of about 3.3inches. These dimensions enable the main housing 10 to be readily placedin most attache' cases such that the main housing 10 occupies only onehalf of such an attache' case as shown in FIG. 2. The other half of theattache' case can, therefore, be used to store additional business itemssuch as notepads, notebooks and the like. Not only is the system smallin size but also it is light in weight. The main housing 10 and itscontents weigh only approximately 8.4 pounds. The combination of smallsize and light weight make this system especially portable.

An optional 3.5 inch disk drive 14 may be located at the front face ofthe main housing 10. When a disk drive option is not desired, a cover 16may conveniently cover the opening for the disk drive 14. The mainhousing 10 also includes a docking door 18 that protects the housingconnector. The housing connector is comprised of four rows of male pinsthat constitute 180 pins in total. This housing connector may beinterfaced with a docking connector 28 such as shown in FIG. 3. Thedocking connector 28 pushes the door 18 out of the way when couplingwith the housing connector behind the door. The door 18 is a flapsimilar to those employed in many current automobile cassette systems.The docking connector 28 condenses all of the peripheral connectors intoa single connector. As such, all connections to the peripherals arerealized through the single connection of the docking connector 28. Byunifying the connectors in this manner, the docking connector 28heightens the portability of the system, for only one connection isnecessary to disconnect the system or connect the system.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the docking connector 28 is coupledto a cradle 30. The cradle 30 supports the main housing 10 when thedocking connector 28 is used so that the main housing may sit upright inthe cradle 30. By placing the docking door at an end of the brick-shapedhousing, the housing stands in the cradle on end and thus minimizes thefootprint of the operating unit.

To complete the connection between the docking connector 28 and thehousing connector of connectors behind the docking door 18, the mainhousing 10 is lowered down into the cradle 30, and the main housing 10is pushed downward to complete the connection between the housingconnector and the docking connector 28. The force required to separatethe 180 pins generally prevents this connection from being inadvertentlydisconnected. Given the strength of the connection, an ejector 32 isprovided for decoupling the docking connector 28 from the housing 10.Depression of the ejector 32 brings about actuation of cams (not shown)located inside the ejector collar 33. The actuation of the cams resultsin decoupling of the docking connector 28 with the main housing 10.

This embodiment may in addition include a connector housing 42a and 42b(FIG. 4) for holding the previously described docking connectorcomponents and for further holding a half-length option such as anetwork card 44 to assist in interfacing the system with a network suchas a local area network (LAN). The addition of the network card 44 makesthe system better adapted for the office environment where networks areoften used. The connector housing 42 is comprised of two parts 42a and42b connected by screws that pass through holes 48. An electricalconnector 46 is also included in this embodiment to connect the networkcard 44 with the docking connector 28.

The connector embodiment in FIG. 3 includes a pigtail 50 that runs to aperipheral connection port 40 (FIG. 5b) which acts as an interface tothe peripheral devices. The alternative embodiment of the dockingconnector 28 that is not coupled to the cradle 30 (FIG. 5a), likewise,employs such a pigtail 50. The alternative embodiment of the dockingconnector 28 does not support the main housing 10; rather, the mainhousing 10 remains free-standing, and the connection is made by bringingthe docking connector 28 to the main housing 10. The peripheralconnection port 40 has a set individual connectors tailored fordifferent types of peripheral devices. The strength of the approachadopted by the present invention lies in that the peripheral devices mayremain permanently connected to the peripheral connector port 40 whileany coupling or decoupling is performed with the docking connector 28.Thus, a user need not disconnect all the peripheral device connectionsevery time he desires to transport the computer to another location.

The pigtail 50 between the docking connector 28 and the peripheralconnection port should not exceed 3 to 5 feet. Pigtails of longerlengths are difficult to drive. It should be born in mind, however, thata pigtail 50 is not even necessary, for the absence of a pigtail 50 doesnot affect the consolidation of connections into a single connectionrealized by the docking connector 28. The peripheral connection port 40may, in fact, be directly coupled to the docking connector 28.

The rear bezel 26 shown in FIG. 6 is secured by screws 5 to the rest ofthe housing 10. A set of connectors 24a-h that are provided in additionto that behind the docking door 18 is situated at the rear bezel 26 ofthe main housing 10. The set of connectors 24a-h in FIG. 6 does notfacilitate making all connections with a common connector; rather, itrelies on individual connectors for each peripheral device. Amongst theconnectors 24a-h is a power connector 24a for coupling the system to apower source. In addition, a power switch 244 is included to turn thesystem on and off. A modem connector 24c is also provided to interfacethe modem that is built into the system with telephone lines. Next tothe modem connector 24c are first 24e and second 24d serial ports. Theseports 24d and 24e may be used to connect the system to serial peripheraldevices such as a mouse or to other types of serial components. Aparallel port 24f is, likewise, provided for making connections withcomponents that transmit or receive in parallel.

Thus, each of these rear bezel connectors is specific to an individualcomputer peripheral device and allows its corresponding computerperipheral device to communicate with the microprocessor via acomputer-peripheral-device-specific data link.

The rear bezel 26 of the main housing 10 further includes connectors 24gand 24h for facilitating connection to a video graphics adapter (VGA)and an extended graphics adapter (EGA), respectively. Moreover, a videoswitch 31 is furnished so that the system may be properly configured foreither of the graphics adaptors (i.e. VGA or EGA). This video switch 31is necessary because the VGA requires a 15 pin connection, whereas theEGA requires only a 9 pin connection. The last connector 24b at the rearof the housing is used for connecting a keyboard to the system.

FIG. 6 shows a fan 22 for removing heat generated by the electroniccomponents of the microprocessor. The fan 22 operates only when neededbecause it is thermostatically controlled. Moreover, the fan 22 operateswith little noise and thus, does not inconvenience the user. To maximizethe cooling effect of the fan 22, holes 27 are provided in the frontface of the housing 10 (see FIG. 1). These holes 27 aid cooling byencouraging cross-flow of air through the main housing 10.

The rear bezel 26 has provisions for two covers 29a and 29b that coverexpansion slots to which additional circuit boards may be added to thesystem. The circuit board configuration will be discussed in more detailbelow. Lastly, FIG. 6 reveals a speaker 227 that generates audio output.

All of these components as well as all of the above-described componentsat the rear of the main housing 10 may be covered with a dust cover 20(shown in FIG. 7) when not in use. A hole 99 in the dust cover 20 allowsthe fan 22 to operate while the dust cover 20 is in place. Additionalholes 101 and 103 are provided in the dust cover 20 to maintainaccessibility of the power connector 24a and power switch 244,respectively when the cover is in place.

FIG. 8 depicts the housing 10 in exploded form. As this figure reveals,there are two integrated circuit boards 104 and 106 disposed within thehousing 10. The first integrated circuit board 104 rests in slots 161near the main housing 10, whereas the other integrated circuit board 106rests in a slot 160 provided on the inside of the housing 10. Thisfigure also reveals that a slot 166 is provided for a backplaneconnector board 164 (FIG. 9) to fit. Furthermore, electromagneticinterference shields 170 are provided to shield the connectorspositioned behind the docking door 18.

The two integrated circuit boards 104 and 106 are shown in FIG. 9relative to the rear bezel 26 that forms the backside of the mainhousing. It should be noted that the depiction of the system in FIG. 9is oriented upside-down relative to the depiction of the system in FIGS.8. The first integrated circuit board 104 (referred to hereinafter asthe processor board) holds an Intel 80386SX, 486SX or 486DXmicroprocessing chip which serves as the CPU for the system. The secondintegrated circuit board 106 is a peripheral board that handlesinteractions within the peripheral connected to the system via theconnectors 24a-h. On these boards are 1 to 32 megabytes of random accessmemory (RAM). In addition, a 2400 BPS modem is built into the system sothat the user has free access to telephone facilities.

An electrically eraseable programmable memory (EEPROM or FLASH) isincluded in the system. It is used to store a copy of the Basic InputOutput System (BIOS). BIOS handles I/O interactions with the peripheraldevices. Specifically, BIOS handles translation between the operatingsystem and hardware connections. Given the modem that is incorporatedinto the system, the system can reconfigure BIOS over the telephone byupdating the EEPROM via the modem. The system likewise, contains a videographics adapter (VGA) and two to four custom gate arrays. The gatearrays are a type of "glue logic" that is used to interconnect customlogic circuits.

The connectors 24c-24h and the switch 31 are connected to the rear bezel26 through screws 120. Further, screws 112 are passed through holes 110in the peripheral board 106 down through posts 108 on the processorboard 104 to secure the two boards together. FIG. 9 additionally showsthe docking door 18 and corresponding connectors 111 and 113 used byexpansion boards.

FIG. 10 indicates how an expansion board 121 can be put in the secondexpansion slot. In particular, its connections 117 fit into the twoconnectors 113 so that the board may be connected to the system bus.Further, a connector 119 is provided on the expansion board 121 thatfits into the rear of bezel 26. It takes the place occupied by the cover29b and is secured to the bezel 26 via screws 120. This additionalconnector 119 enables the expansion board 121 to be accessed through theset of connectors at the rear bezel 26. An additional 1/2 lengthexpansion board can be connected via connectors 111 to fill the otherexpansion board slot. The expansion boards may be any standard ISA8 or16 bit AT form factor half length card.

To enhance heat transfer away from the electronic components, a pouch ofthermally conductive material 74 is placed between the main housing 10and the rear face of the processing circuit board 104 (as shown in FIG.10). A suitable material is "FLOURINERT" produced by the MinnesotaMining and Manufacturing Company. Thus, heat from boards 104 and 106travels via pouch 74 to the main housing 10 where it is dissipated.

A preferred configuration for maximizing heat transfer from themicroprocessor is illustrated in FIGS. 17A, B and C. As shown in FIG.17A, the board 104 has a window 190 and an adjacent connector socket orpin array 192. As shown in FIGS. 17B and C, the microprocessor 194 ismounted on a daughter board 196 having a pin array or connector socket198 to connect to the socket or array 192. When the socket and array192, 198 are connected, the microprocessor protrudes through the window190 to press against the liquid filled heat sink pouch 74. Themicroprocessor thus faces to the rear of the board 104 away from othercomponents for direct heat transfer through the pouch to the housing.

FIG. 11 shows the optional 3.5 inch disk drive 180. The disk drive 180enables the user to read from and write to 3.5 inch floppy disks. FIG.11 also shows a hard disk 182 coupled to the disk drive 180. The harddisk 182 provides an additional 200 megabytes of memory. These twocomponents 180 and 182 occupy the first expansion slot. Flanges 181 and183 respectively sit in grooves 185 and 187 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 depicts a holding mount 56. This mount 56 can be used to securethe main housing 10 to a fixture such as a wall or a desk. The mount 56is placed underneath the main housing 10 to hold it in proper position.The mount 56 is then secured by screws 52 through holes 54 provided inthe mount 56 to the appropriate fixture. This feature, like thepreviously described cradle mechanism, assists in removing componentsthat do not require physical user interaction away from the area of theuser interface.

FIG. 13 shows a keyboard 60 and a visual display 58 which may be coupledto the microcomputer system. The system may also be connected to a dcpower source 62 via a separate connection cable 64. The dc power source62 may be connected directly into an ac outlet.

FIG. 14 reveals the simplified connection of the display 58 to the mainhousing 10. In particular, the display 58 is provided with connector 70that fits into matching connector 72 in the housing. As can be seen inFIG. 14 the matching connectors are located at the top of one of therubber corners 12. Physical connection of the display 58 to the mainhousing 10 is also facilitated by a mechanical mechanism that passesthrough hole 68. Thumb screws 65 are provided at both points to enablethe user to readily tighten the mechanical connections to make sure thatthey are secure. The thumb screw 65, likewise, simplifies the process ofremoving the mechanical connections. Recesses 66 are provided in thedisplay 58 so that the display 58 may lie flat against the main housing10.

FIG. 15 exhibits the compactness of the present system and how well thevarious components fit together. It should be noted that the housing 10fits readily with the display 58 and keyboard 60. Moreover, the dc powersource 62 and cable 64 fit along the side of these other components.Lastly a battery pack 270 may be employed underneath the keyboard anddisplay to provide an alternative source of direct current (dc). Thebattery pack 70 is especially useful in providing power to the unit whenac outlets are not available.

If a user wishes to expand the performance capabilities of the system,he may purchase an expansion unit 72 (FIG. 16). The expansion unit 72contains two full length processor boards, each having an IBM PC ATmicroprocessor configured on it. The expansion board is connected to thehousing 10 via the docking door 18. In addition, the expansion unitcontains a power supply.

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the cradle with the computerhousing at 10 shown over the cradle being moved into docking position.The cradle has a base 200 and a rear wall 202 in which an option cardmay be mounted. The far surface of an end wall 204 serves as theconnector field. That is, all of the individual connections to thecradle are made directly to the far side of that wall. The housing 10 ismoved into position between guides 206 and 208 so that the connector 210extends past the docking door 18 into the housing 10 to make connectionto the computer. Ejection of the computer housing is by means of a lever212 which, when pulled down, causes ejection tabs 214 and 216 to liftthe housing 10 from the cradle.

FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative form of display. In this embodiment,the display housing 218 is not fixed directly to the computer housing10. Rather, it is an independent unit having a stand 220 so that it mayrest on a table surface, or on top of the housing 10 as shown in FIG.19.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined in appended claims. For instance, the system need not have two1/2 length cards, rather a larger housing may be employed to yield asystem that can accept full length cards.

We claim:
 1. A portable computer microprocessing system comprising:a) amicroprocessor for processing instructions; b) a housing containing themicroprocessor; c) a plurality of computer-peripheral-device-specificconnectors in electrical communication with the microprocessor such thateach of said plurality of computer-peripheral-device-specificconnections provides a computer-peripheral-device-specific data link tosaid microprocessor, said connectors for connecting the microprocessorto specific computer peripheral devices and being mounted on thehousing; and d) another single connector on the housing, said singleconnector comprising a set of pins, said set further comprising aplurality of subsets of computer-peripheral-device-specific pins beingin electrical communication with said microprocessor such that one ofeach of said subsets of computer-peripheral-device-specific pinsprovides the same computer-peripheral-device-specific data link as saideach of said plurality of computer-peripheral-device-specificconnectors, said single connector for making all connections from themicroprocessor to said specific computer peripheral devices; and e) adocking connection means holding the housing to connect themicroprocessor with the at least one computer peripheral device, saiddocking connection means being comprised of: a connector mating with thesingle connector on the housing; and a support holding the housing in avertical position.
 2. A microprocessing system as recited in claim 1wherein the housing is at most 12.0 inches in length, at most 9.0 inchesin width, and at most 4.0 inches in height.
 3. A microprocessing systemas recited in claim 1 wherein the docking connection means is coupled toa peripheral device interface that provides an interface to connect theperipheral devices and a power source to the docking connection means.4. A microprocessing system as recited in claim 1 wherein allconnections to peripheral devices from the microprocessor are madethrough the docking connection means.
 5. A microprocessing system asrecited in claim 1 wherein the docking connection means furthercomprises a network integrated circuit card for facilitating connectionof the microprocessing system to a network.
 6. A microprocessing systemas recited in claim 1, further comprising a disk drive built into thehousing.
 7. A microprocessor system as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising a battery pack for powering the microprocessing system.
 8. Amicroprocessing system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a harddisc for providing memory space, said hard disc being located inside thehousing.
 9. A microprocessing system as recited in claim 1 wherein oneof said plurality of computer peripheral-device-specific connectors isfor a keyboard for communicating with the microprocessor.
 10. Amicroprocessing system as recited in claim 1 wherein one of saidplurality of computer-peripheral device-specific-device connectors isfor a visual display.
 11. A microprocessing system as recited in claim 1further comprising an ejector for ejecting the housing from the dockingconnection means.
 12. A microprocessing system as recited in claim 1wherein the plurality of computer-device-specific connectors includecommunications port, keyboard, display, and power connections.
 13. Amicroprocessing system as recited in claim 1 further comprising aliquid-filled thermal heat sink pouch positioned between themicroprocessor and the housing.
 14. A portable computer microprocessingsystem comprising:a) a microprocessor for processing instructions; b) ahousing containing the microprocessor; c) a plurality of computerperipheral devices in communication with the microprocessor; d) aplurality of computer-peripheral-device-specific connectors inelectrical communication with the microprocessor such that each of saidplurality of computer-peripheral-device-specific connectors provides acomputer-peripheral-device-specific data link to said microprocessor,said connectors for connecting the microprocessor to specific computerperipheral devices and being mounted on the housing; e) another singleconnector on the housing, said single connector comprising a set ofpins, said set further comprising a plurality of subsets ofcomputer-peripheral-device-specific pins being in electricalcommunication with said microprocessor such that one of each of saidsubsets of computer-peripheral-device-specific pins provides the samecomputer-peripheral-device-specific data link as said each of saidplurality of computer-peripheral-device-specific connectors, said singleconnector for making all connections from the microprocessor to saidspecific computer peripheral devices; and f) a docking connection meansin which the housing rests so as to connect the microprocessor with thecomputer peripheral devices, said docking connection means beingcomprised of:a connector mating with the single connector on thehousing; a support holding the housing in a vertical position; and anejector for ejecting the housing from the docking connection means. 15.A microprocessing system as recited in claim 14, further comprising anetwork card coupled to the docking connection means to facilitateconnection of the microprocessing system to a network.
 16. Amicroprocessing system as recited in claim 14, further comprising a harddisc for providing added memory space.
 17. In a portable computer, amethod of interfacing a microprocessor with a plurality of computerperipheral devices comprising the steps of:a) containing themicroprocessor within a housing; b) providing on the housing a pluralityof computer-peripheral-device-specific connectors in electricalcommunication with the microprocessor such that each of said pluralityof computer-peripheral-device-specific connectors provides acomputer-peripheral-device-specific data link to said microprocessor,said connectors for connecting the microprocessor to specific computerperipheral devices and being mounted on the housing; and c) providinganother single connector on the housing, said single connectorcomprising a set of pins, said set further comprising a plurality ofsubsets of computer-peripheral-device-specific pins being in electricalcommunication with said microprocessor such that one of each of saidsubsets of computer-peripheral-device-specific pins provides the samecomputer-peripheral-device-specific data link as said each of saidplurality of computer-peripheral-device-specific connectors, said singleconnector for making all connections from the microprocessor to saidspecific computer peripheral devices d) providing a docking connectionmeans having an additional connector; e) supporting the housing of themicroprocessor in position relative to said docking connection means sothat the single connector on the housing is coupled with said additionalconnector provided in the docking connection means; and f) makingconnections between said docking connection means and said peripheraldevices.
 18. A method as recited in claim 17 further comprising the stepof ejecting the housing from the connection means to terminate theconnections between the peripheral devices and the microprocessor.
 19. Amethod as recited in claim 17 further comprising providing a networkintegrated circuit card held within the docking connection means forfacilitating connection of the microprocessor to a network.
 20. Aportable computer microprocessing system comprising:a) a microprocessorfor processing instructions; b) a housing containing the microprocessor;c) a plurality of computer-peripheral-device-specific connectors inelectrical communication with the microprocessor such that each of saidplurality of computer-peripheral-device-specific connectors provides acomputer-peripheral-device-specific data link to said microprocessor,said connectors for connecting the microprocessor to specific computerperipheral devices and being mounted on the housing; and d) anothersingle connector on the housing, said single connector comprising a setof pins, said set further comprising a plurality of subsets ofcomputer-peripheral-device-specific pins being in electricalcommunication with said microprocessor such that one of each of saidsubsets of computer-peripheral-device-specific pins provides the samecomputer-peripheral-device-specific data link as said each of saidplurality of computer-peripheral-device-specific connectors, said singleconnector for making all connections from the microprocessor to saidspecific computer peripheral devices; and e) a docking connection meansin which the housing rests for connecting the microprocessor withcomputer peripheral devices, said docking connection means comprising asingle connector which mates with the single connector on the housing.21. A microprocessing system as recited in claim 20 wherein the dockingconnection means further comprises a support for holding the housing ina vertical position such that the weight of the housing maintains theconnections to the connector.
 22. A microprocessing system as recited inclaim 20 wherein the housing is at most 12.0 inches in length, at most9.0 inches in width, and at most 4.0 inches in height.
 23. Amicroprocessing system as recited in claim 20 wherein the dockingconnection means is coupled to a peripheral device interface thatprovides an interface to connect the peripheral devices and a powersource to the docking connection means.
 24. A microprocessing system asrecited in claim 20 wherein the docking connection means furthercomprises a network integrated circuit card for facilitating connectionof the microprocessing system to a network.
 25. A microprocessing systemas recited in claim 20 further comprising a liquid-filled thermal heatsink pouch positioned between the microprocessor and the housing.
 26. Amicroprocessing system as recited in claim 20 further comprising anejector for ejecting the housing from the docking connection means. 27.A microprocessing system as recited in claim 20 wherein the plurality ofcomputer-peripheral-device-specific connectors are for providingconnections between the microprocessor and peripheral devices including,keyboard, display, and power supply.
 28. A portable computercomprising:a) a microprocessor for processing instructions; b) a housingcontaining the microprocessor; c) a plurality ofcomputer-peripheral-device-specific connectors in electricalcommunication with the microprocessor such that each of said pluralityof computer-peripheral-device-specific connectors provides acomputer-peripheral-device-specific data link to said microprocessors,said connectors for connecting the microprocessor to specific computerperipheral devices and being mounted on the housing; and d) anothersingle connector on the housing, said single connector comprising a setof pins, said set further comprising a plurality of subsets ofcomputer-peripheral-devices-specific pins being in electricalcommunication with said microprocessor such that one of each of saidsubsets of computer-peripheral-device-specific pins provides the samecomputer-peripheral-device-specific data link as said each of saidplurality of computer-peripheral-device-specific connectors, said singleconnector for making all connections from the microprocessor to saidspecific computer peripheral devices.